So as I’m (procrastinating from) packing, I’m thinking about what sort of things I’ll be bringing back with me, so I can allocate space. There are a few things I’ll definitely be bringing back to Belgium. I’ve been questioned about what sort of things to bring here from North America by several new Expats, and I thought I would share my list. (I’m also hoping it will help me remember everything when I’m in Canada). Here goes:
- Over the counter medicine (Specifically vitamins for me and Advil gel caps for Andrew) it’s not that you can’t get those here pre se, just that you have to go to a pharmacy and ask for them. There are no 24 hour drug stores here and you can’t by ANY medications anywhere but from the pharmacist.
- Books and Movies – you can get them here but they are more expensive. Basically you pay in Euros here what you would pay in Canadian dollars at home
- Bert’s Bees Orange face cleanser – If anyone has seen this in Belgium let me know where!
- Organic Mac & Cheese – Got hooked on this instead of KD and I’d like some to stave off the evil KD cravings…
- A new digital camera – Also a price issue (electronics for the most part are better off purchase here because of the power conversion… since I don’t have to plug in my camera, I’m going to try and get it in Canada)
- Dried cranberries – my favorite snack… haven’t seen them here ever
- A light bulb for my Ott Light – Broke mine my first month here and I’d love to have my light back.
Honestly that’s all I can think of. I can get just about everything I need here and then some. There are a few places I’m looking forward to going as well: The used book store (where we still have credit), our favorite Sushi spot for sushi pizza (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!) and to the ocean!
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2 comments
Jay says:
Oct 26, 2005
It’s great to be prepared, but I always find that when packing for a trip, preparation is futile. You WILL forget something.
Di says:
Nov 7, 2005
A big homesick moment resulted from reading this. Sigh sigh sigh … what would I get from ‘home’ (New Zealand) if I were going anytime soon; a question that opened the biggest can of worms … my books, some Vegemite, big hours on the beaches, in the mountains … and driving on the right side of the road without that odd right of way rule.
Hi from Belgie. Off to class soon … immersion Dutch for 3 hours.
Holiday well!!